Posts Tagged ‘Judicial Council’

In California, March 14-20 is a momentous occasion for mediators. The California courts, along with the state Judicial Council and the State Bar of California, adopted standing resolutions last March setting aside the third week of March each year to celebrate mediation. How do we celebrate Mediation Week? With good champagne and dancing? Maybe. In this case, however, we will do what courts and bar associations do well – we have events and conferences!

“Mediation programs offer the public an important alternative to resolving disputes outside the traditional adjudication system,” stated Chief Justice Ronald M. George, chair of the Judicial Council. “Mediation Week is an opportune occasion to educate the public about the availability and benefits of mediation programs, and to recognize the people who make those programs successful.”

The reasons mediation should be celebrated are too numerous to mention here, but at events throughout the state this week judges, lawyers, mediators, administrators, businesspeople and the general public are ensuring most of those reasons are acknowledged. Below are two such events at which I will participate:

On Wednesday, March 17, Kern County is launching its new court-annexed mediation program with a day-long conference open to the general public. The Kern County Superior Court, Kern County Bar Association and the county Better Business Bureau have brought in the American Institute of Mediation to coordinate the free public program targeted to the judges, attorneys, business leaders and general public called “Maximize Your Mediations!“. This dynamic and interactive program will feature my keynote speech “Why Mediate,” after which a series of 45-minute panels led by area lawyers and mediators will discuss and explain various mediation aspects such as confidentiality and creative solutions. The audience is encouraged to ask questions. Featured speakers include Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Frank Ochoa and noted peacemaker Doug Noll. Thanks to Kelly Lazerson, the court’s ADR Coordinator for bringing this program together. The day ends with a mixer at the Bell Tower Club, downtown Bakersfield. Maybe that’s when we’ll have the champagne?

On Friday, March 19, Orange County mediators and the Orange County Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section host “OC Mediators Odyssey 2010“. The event begins with keynote speaker Orange County Superior Court Presiding Judge Kim G. Dunning, who will explain the “State of the Orange County Superior Court and Mediation’s Positive Effect on the Local Court System and our Orange County Community.” I will deliver the luncheon keynote, “The New, Invisible Cross Cultural Conflict,” a commentary about how all disputes are cross-cultural, even when the people may look the same. Other workshop presenters that day include Vickie Pynchon, Jan Schau, Mari Frank, Wendy Kramer, Debra Dupree, Sam Konugres, and Rosemarie McElhaney. This event would not have been possible without Therese Gray’s strong leadership.

For more information about times and locations, click on the links to the events’ web pages. And remember, let’s celebrate mediation all week!